Water diverter valve and related dishwasher

ABSTRACT

Gravity and flow operated diverter valves are disclosed for diverting liquid flow from one source to either of two output destinations, the valves including a housing defining an inlet opening through a base wall, a first outlet opening through a first upper wall and a second outlet opening through a second upper wall. The housing is operable in a configuration with the base wall arranged vertically beneath the first and second upper walls. A valve member has a first end, a second end, and a central portion, the valve member being movably suspended within the housing by the first end when no liquid is flowing into the inlet opening. The valve member is pivotable in a first direction to seal the first outlet opening and pivotable in a second direction to seal the second outlet opening. The housing interior and the valve member are cooperatively configured so that on successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve member automatically and alternatingly seals the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening. Related dishwasher designs are also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to water diverter valves whichcan be used in a dishwasher.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dishwashers of various types have been proposed wherein items are placedin a wash chamber which is filled and emptied according to desired washsequences. Recently, dishwasher manufacturers have focused even more onefficiency in implementing new designs. Thus, an amount of electricity,an amount of detergent, and an amount of water used are all monitored inan attempt to provide efficient and environmentally sensitive machines.

Many dishwashers have more than one outlet within them for sprayingwater within the wash chamber. For example, dishwashers typically havean upper rack and a lower dish rack. Such dishwashers may have amultiple rotating spray arms located at a lower level, a midlevel(between dish racks), and an upper level that spray during a wash orrinse cycle. Some dishwashers have two such sprayers and some have more.

To reduce the amount of water used in such multiple sprayer dishwashers,it is desirable to alternate spraying between the multiple spray armassemblies. Doing so requires a smaller amount of water in the washchamber because only half of the spray system need be actively filledwith water at a time. Conventional devices accomplish such alternationwith solenoid valves to divert water from one spray assembly or theother. This adds to cost and complexity of the device. Other devicesaccomplish such switching with a pump driven column of water moving afloating ball or other diverter element. However, such solution requiresextra water and has higher pumping requirements.

Accordingly, other designs for alternating water flow between multipleoutlets within a wash chamber and related dishwashers including thoseaddressing one or more drawbacks of conventional devices and dishwasherswould be welcome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, gravity and flowoperated diverter valves are disclosed for diverting liquid flow fromone source to either of two output destinations, the valves including ahousing defining outer walls including a base wall, a first upper walland a second upper wall at an angle to the first upper wall. There is aninlet opening through the base wall, a first outlet opening through thefirst upper wall and a second outlet opening through the second upperwall. The housing is operable in a configuration with the base wallarranged vertically beneath the first and second upper walls. A valvemember has a first end, a second end, and a central portion, the valvemember being movably suspended within the housing by the first end whenno liquid is flowing into the inlet opening. The valve member ispivotable in a first direction to seal the first outlet opening andpivotable in a second direction to seal the second outlet opening. Thehousing interior and the valve member are cooperatively configured sothat on successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve memberautomatically and alternatingly seals the first outlet opening and thesecond outlet opening. Various options and modifications are possible.

According to certain other aspects of the disclosure, a dishwasher isdisclosed includes a cabinet, a wash chamber within the cabinet, a firstspray device for spraying liquid into the wash chamber and a secondspray device for spraying liquid into the wash chamber. A circulationpump assembly pumps water from a sump area of wash chamber to either thefirst spray device or the second spray device. A valve includes ahousing defining outer walls including a base wall, a first upper walland a second upper wall at an angle to the first upper wall. There is aninlet opening through the base wall in communication with an outlet ofthe pump assembly, a first outlet opening through the first upper wallin communication with an inlet of the first spray device, and a secondoutlet opening through the second upper wall in communication with aninlet of the second spray device. The housing is mounted in the cabinetwith the base wall arranged vertically beneath the first and secondupper walls. A valve member has a first end, a second end, and a centralportion, the valve member being movably suspended within the housing bythe first end when the circulation pump assembly is not pumping. Thevalve member is pivotable in a first direction to seal the first outletopening and pivotable in a second direction to seal the second outletopening. The housing interior and the valve member are cooperativelyconfigured so that as the circulation pump assembly is cycled on and offthe valve member automatically and alternatingly seals the first outletopening and the second outlet opening. Again, various options andmodifications are possible.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a side partial cut-away view of an exemplary dishwasherthat may be configured in accordance with aspects of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one possible fluid system the dishwasherof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 provides a schematic front view of one valve housing interiorsuitable for use with the dishwasher of FIG. 1 in a first, no flowcondition;

FIG. 4 provides a schematic front view of the valve housing interior ina first flow condition;

FIG. 5 provides a schematic front view of the valve housing interior ina second, no flow condition;

FIG. 6 provides a schematic front view of the valve housing interior ina second flow condition;

FIG. 7 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve housingtaken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 provides a schematic front view of another valve housing interiorsuitable for use with the dishwasher of FIG. 1 in a first, no flowcondition;

FIG. 9 provides a schematic front view of the valve housing interior ofFIG. 8 in a first flow condition;

FIG. 10 provides a schematic front view of the valve housing interior ofFIG. 8 in a second, no flow condition;

FIG. 11 provides a schematic front view of the valve housing interior ofFIG. 8 in a second flow condition; and

FIG. 12 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve housingtaken along line 12-12 in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

As discussed in greater detail below, embodiments of the presentdisclosure relate to a flow sensing float device that can be used with adishwasher. FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary domestic dishwasher 100 that maybe configured in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. For theparticular embodiment of FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 includes a cabinet102 having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106. The tub104 includes a front opening (not shown in FIG. 1) and a door 120 hingedat its bottom 122 for movement between a normally closed verticalposition (shown in FIG. 1) wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shutfor washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading andunloading of articles from the dishwasher. Upper and lower guide rails124, 126 are mounted on tub side walls 128 and accommodate upper andlower roller-equipped racks 130, 132, respectively. Each of the upperand lower racks 130, 132 is fabricated into lattice structures includinga plurality of elongate members 134, and each rack 130, 132 is adaptedfor movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in whichthe rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and aretracted position (shown in FIG. 1) in which the rack is located insidethe wash chamber 106. A silverware basket (not shown) may be removablyattached to the lower rack 132 for placement of silverware, utensils,and the like, that are too small to be accommodated by the upper andlower racks 130, 132.

The dishwasher 100 further includes a lower spray-arm-assembly 144 thatis rotatably mounted within a lower region 146 of the wash chamber 106and above a tub sump portion 142 so as to rotate in relatively closeproximity to the lower rack 132. A mid-level spray-arm assembly 148 islocated in an upper region of the wash chamber 106 and may be located inclose proximity to upper rack 130. Additionally, an upper spray armassembly (not shown) may be located above the upper rack 130.

The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and the upperspray arm assembly are fed by a fluid circulation assembly forcirculating water and dishwasher fluid in the tub 104. The fluidcirculation assembly may be located in a machinery compartment 140located below the bottom sump portion 142 of the tub 104, as generallyrecognized in the art. Each spray-arm assembly includes an arrangementof discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto dishesor other articles located in the upper and lower racks 130, 132,respectively. The arrangement of the discharge ports in at least thelower spray-arm assembly 144 provides a rotational force by virtue ofwashing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultantrotation of the lower spray-arm assembly 144 provides coverage of dishesand other dishwasher contents with a washing spray.

The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 137 to regulateoperation of the dishwasher 100. The controller may include a memory andmicroprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessoroperable to execute programming instructions or micro-control codeassociated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random accessmemory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In oneembodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored inmemory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or maybe included onboard within the processor.

The controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of locationsthroughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller137 may be located within a control panel area of door 120 as shown. Insuch an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed betweenthe control system and various operational components of dishwasher 100along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom 122 of door120. Typically, the controller 137 includes a user interface panel 136through which a user may select various operational features and modesand monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the userinterface 136 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device orfunctional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 may includeinput components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical,mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials,push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 136 may include adisplay component, such as a digital or analog display device designedto provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 136 may bein communication with the controller 137 via one or more signal lines orshared communication busses.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to anyparticular style, model, or other configuration of dishwasher, and thatthe embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes only. Forexample, instead of the racks 130, 132 depicted in FIG. 1, thedishwasher 100 may be of a known configuration that utilizes drawersthat pull out from the cabinet and are accessible from the top forloading and unloading of articles.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a fluid circulationassembly 170 configured below the wash chamber 106. Although oneembodiment of a fluid circulation assembly that is operable to performin accordance with aspects of the disclosure is shown, it iscontemplated that other fluid circulation assembly configurations maysimilarly be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. The fluid circulation assembly 170 includes a circulationpump assembly 172 and a drain pump assembly 174, both in fluidcommunication with the sump 150. Additionally, the drain pump assembly174 is in fluid communication with an external drain 173 to dischargeused wash liquid. Further, the circulation pump assembly 172 is in fluidcommunication with lower spray arm assembly 144 and conduit 154 whichextends to a back wall 156 of wash chamber 106, and upward along theback wall 156 for feeding wash liquid to the mid-level spray armassembly 148 (FIG. 1) and the upper spray arm assembly. A diverter valve250, 350 is located between circulation pump assembly output and theconduits to the different spray arm assemblies 144 and 148 and divertsflow one way or the other, as described below. This configuration alsoapplies to a drawer-type of dishwasher, as mentioned above.

As wash liquid is pumped through either the lower spray arm assembly 144or the mid-level spray arm assembly 148 and the upper spray arm assembly(not shown), washing sprays are generated in the wash chamber 106, andwash liquid collects in the sump 150. The sump 150 may include a coverto prevent larger objects from entering the sump 150, such as a piece ofsilverware or another dishwasher item that is dropped beneath lower rack132. A coarse filter and a fine filter (not shown) may be locatedadjacent the sump 150 to filter wash liquid for sediment and particlesof predetermined sizes before flowing into the sump 150. Furthermore, aturbidity sensor may be coupled to the sump 150 and used to sense alevel of sediment in the sump 150 and to initiate a sump purge cyclewhere the contents or a fractional volume of the contents of the sump150 are discharged when a turbidity level in the sump 150 approaches apredetermined threshold. The sump 150 is filled with water through aninlet port 175 which outlets into wash chamber 106.

As shown, a drain valve 186 is established in flow communication withthe sump 150 and opens or closes flow communication between the sump 150and a drain pump inlet 188. The drain pump assembly 174 is in flowcommunication with the drain pump inlet 188 and may include an electricmotor for pumping fluid at the inlet 188 to an external drain system viadrain 173. In one embodiment, when the drain pump is energized, anegative pressure is created in the drain pump inlet 188 and the drainvalve 186 is opened, allowing fluid in the sump 150 to flow into thefluid pump inlet 188 and be discharged from fluid circulation assembly170 via the external drain 173. Alternatively, pump assemblies 172 and174 may be connected directly to the side or the bottom of sump 150, andthe pump assemblies may each include their own valving replacing drainvalve 186. Other fluid circulation systems are possible as well,drawings fluid from sump 150 and providing as desired within washchamber 106 or draining out of washing machine 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, a water supply 200 may be configured with the inletport 175 for supplying wash liquid to the wash chamber 106. The watersupply 200 may provide hot water only, cold water only, or eitherselectively as desired. As depicted, water supply 200 has a hot waterinlet 204 that receives hot water from an external source, such as a hotwater heater and a cold water input 206 that receives cold water from anexternal source. It should be understood that the term “water supply” isused herein to encompass any manner or combination of valves, lines ortubing, housing, and the like, and may simply comprise a conventionalhot or cold water connection.

FIG. 3 shows one example of a diverter valve according to certainaspects of the disclosure in a first no-flow condition. As shown, valve250 has a housing 252 with outer walls that include a base wall 254, afirst upper wall 256 and a second upper wall 258 at an angle (about aright angle, as shown) to the first upper wall. An inlet opening 260extends through base wall 254, a first outlet opening 262 extendsthrough first upper wall 256, and a second outlet opening 264 extendsthrough second upper wall 258. Valve 250 is operable in a configurationwith base wall 254 arranged vertically beneath first and second upperwalls 256 and 258, as will be described below.

A track 266 is defined within housing 252 adjacent the intersection ofthe first and second upper walls 256,258. Track 266 has a first arm 268and a second arm 270 both extending downward at about a right angle froma central peak 272 where first and second upper walls 256,258 meet. Thefirst arm 268 terminates at a first arm end 274 and the second arm 270terminates at a second arm end 276. Track 266 has two symmetrical parts,one part 278 attached to a rear wall 280 of housing 252 and a secondidentical part 282 attached to a front wall 284 of housing 252 (see FIG.7). The track parts 278,282 are spaced apart by a distance 286 alongtheir lengths. Flanges 287 can be used to connect housing parts 280 and284.

A valve member 288 is movably mounted within housing 252. Valve member288 includes a first ball 290 sized to seal either of the first orsecond outlet openings 262,264, a follower in the shape of a second ball292 sized to move along track 266 between first and second arm ends274,276, and a central portion 294 connecting the first and secondballs. Essentially, valve member 288 is barbell-shaped. As shown, balls290,292 have different diameters, but they may have the same diametersor have their relative sizes switched if desired. Further, follower neednot be in the shape of ball 292, and could have other curved shapes,could be cylindrical, etc., as long as the follower can travel readilyalong track 266 from end 274 to end 276.

FIGS. 3 to 6 show the cycling of valve member 288 to alternatinglyconnect outlets 262 and 264 with inlet 260 as the circulation pumpassembly is turned on and off. FIG. 3 shows an initial, no flowposition. Follower 292 is at end 276 of track arm 270 and ball 290 hangsdown. Once flow starts through opening 260, rising liquid pushes valvemember 288 upward. As liquid rises and any air evacuates, valve member288 moves upward with follower 292 rising along track 266 and first ballmember 290 being moved toward second opening 264 by liquid passingthrough the opening. Since ball member 290 is to one side of housing252, the ball member is moved toward the outlet opening on that side,namely opening 264. Eventually, valve member 288 reaches the position ofFIG. 4, with ball 290 sealing a corresponding seat of opening 264.Accordingly, at this point all flow from inlet 260 goes out opening 262and not opening 264. Note that follower 292 is now to the right side oftrack 266 in arm 268 (due in part to the length of central portion 294).

When flow is shut off, valve member 288 falls, with follower 292 fallingto end 274 of arm 268 and ball 290 hanging below as shown in FIG. 5.Basically, valve member 288 has simply changed sides within housing 252as compared to FIG. 3. When flow enters again as in FIG. 6, valve member288 again rises and this time ball 290 seals opening 262. Turning offthe flow again results in valve member 288 returning to the position ofFIG. 3, and the cycle can start again.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate diverter valve according to certain aspects ofthe disclosure. As shown, valve 350 has a housing 352 with outer wallsthat include a base wall 354, a first upper wall 356 and a second upperwall 358 at an angle to the first upper wall. An inlet opening 360extends through base wall 354, a first outlet opening 362 extendsthrough first upper wall 356, and a second outlet opening 364 extendsthrough second upper wall 358. As above, valve 350 is operable with basewall 354 arranged vertically beneath first and second upper walls 356and 358. Flanges 387 can be used to connect housing parts together.

A valve member 388 is movably mounted within housing 352. Valve member388 includes a first end 390 having an axle 392 pivotably attached to ahole in (but not through) housing 352. Valve member 388 has a centralportion with a flat sealing surface 394 on a first side for sealingfirst outlet opening 362 and a flat sealing surface 396 on a second sidefor sealing a second outlet opening 364.

Valve member 388 has a second end 398 with a pivotable end arm 400attached to an axle 401 at the second end. End arm 400 is movablebetween a first position (see FIG. 10) directed toward first outletopening 362 and a second position (see FIG. 8) directed to second outletopening 364. When liquid flow is introduced into inlet opening 360 byactivating the circulation pump assembly, end arm 400 directs valvemember 388 to move toward the one of the first or second outlet openings362,364 toward which the pivotable end arm is pointed. In other words,as flow comes through inlet opening 360, it initially impinges on arm400 moving the whole valve member 388 to the side—at which point theflow starts impinging on the sealing surface 394 or 396 now facingopening 360, thereby allowing the flow to rapidly push the valve memberto seal outlet opening 362 or 364.

A camming surface 402 is located adjacent each outlet opening 362,364.Camming surfaces 402 contact and move pivotable end arm 400 from thefirst or second position of the arm 400 to the other when valve member388 moves fully to seal the respective first or second outlet openings362,364. As shown, camming surfaces 402 are placed so that arm 400 willcontact the camming surfaces and pivot about axle 401 when valve member388 is sealing. Retainers 404 may be provided on either side of arm 400at second end 398 of valve member 388 to define a range of motion forarm 400. Recesses 406 may be provided between openings 362,364 andcamming surfaces 402 so that retainers 404 and the thicker part of arm400 around axle 401 do not prevent valve member 388 from moving fullyagainst openings 362,364 to seal them.

FIGS. 8-11 show the cycling of valve member 388 to alternatingly connectoutlets 362 and 364 with inlet 360 as above. FIG. 8 shows an initial, noflow position. Arm 400 points toward second outlet opening 364. Onceflow starts through opening 360, rising liquid hits arm 400 and pivotsvalve member 388 to the left until it closes second opening 364 withsealing surface 396. Near the end of travel, arm 400 hits cammingsurface 402 and pivots to the position shown in FIG. 9. The leftward (asshown) retainer 404 is in recess 406. Accordingly, at this point allflow from inlet 360 goes out opening 362 and not opening 364.

When flow is shut off, valve member 388 pivots down, with arm 400pointing toward opening 362, on the right as shown in FIG. 10. Valvemember 388 is now in the same position as in FIG. 8, except that arm 400is pointed in the opposite direction. When flow enters again as in FIG.11, valve member 388 again pivots upward to the right and seals opening362 with surface 394. Arm 400 hits the other camming surface 402 andpivots back to the left. Turning off the flow again results in valvemember 388 pivoting back down, with arm 400 pointing to the left,returning to the position of FIG. 8, and the cycle can start again.

Parts of valve members 288, 388 may be plastic, metal, rubber, etc. ifdesired, but should have a density and weight chosen in view of thedesired flow needed for the spray devices used so that that the valvemember reliably moves upward and seals when flow occurs. Accordingly,valves 250, 350 provide inexpensive and reliable diverters. Noelectronics are required, and all moving parts are essentiallyself-actuated by the circulation pump assembly. Mounting valves 250, 350at or near the circulation pump, beneath the sump, etc., allows a lesseramount of water to have to be cycled through the system and thedifferent spray elements within the wash chamber to achieve a givendesired cycle. No ball-driven water column is needed, saving water andcomplexity. Such valve device can be used not only within a dishwasherbut also within other devices.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gravity and flow operated diverter valve fordiverting liquid flow from one source to either of two outputdestinations, the valve comprising: a housing defining outer wallsincluding a base wall, a first upper wall and a second upper wall at anangle to the first upper wall, an inlet opening through the base wall, afirst outlet opening through the first upper wall and a second outletopening through the second upper wall, the housing operable in aconfiguration with the base wall arranged vertically beneath the firstand second upper walls; and a valve member having a first end, a secondend, and a central portion, the valve member being movably suspendedwithin the housing by the first end when no liquid is flowing into theinlet opening, the valve member being pivotable in a first direction toseal the first outlet opening and pivotable in a second direction toseal the second outlet opening, the housing interior and the valvemember being cooperatively configured so that on successive liquid flowsinto the inlet opening the valve member automatically and alternatinglyseals the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening.
 2. Thevalve of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a track adjacent theintersection of the first and second upper walls, the track having afirst arm and a second arm both extending downward from a central peakwhere the first and second upper walls meet, the first arm terminatingat a first arm end and the second arm terminating at a second arm end,the first end of the valve member including a follower sized to moveback and forth along the track between the first and second arm ends. 3.The valve of claim 2, wherein the second end of the valve memberincludes a first ball sized to seal either of the first or second outletopenings, a central portion of the valve member connecting the firstball and the follower.
 4. The valve of claim 3, wherein the centralportion has a length so that when the first ball seals one of the firstor second outlet openings the follower is in the second or first arm ofthe track, respectively, and the first ball member falls to hang belowthe follower with the follower at either of the second or first armends, respectively, when liquid flow through the inlet opening ceases.5. The valve of claim 3, wherein the central portion of the valve memberand arms of the track are sized so as to alternate which of the first orsecond outlet openings are sealed by the first ball as flow into thehousing via the inlet opening is cycled on and off.
 6. The valve ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second arms of the track meet at about aright angle.
 7. The valve of claim 6, wherein the first and second upperwalls are angled at about 45 degrees relative to the base wall.
 8. Thevalve of claim 1, wherein the follower is in the shape of a second ball.9. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve member first end includes anaxle pivotably attached to an opening within the housing interior, andthe valve member central portion includes a flat sealing area withsealing surfaces on a first side for sealing the first outlet openingand a second side for sealing a second outlet opening.
 10. The valve ofclaim 9, wherein the valve member second end includes a pivotable endarm movable between a first position directed toward the first outletopening and a second position directed to the second outlet opening,whereby when liquid flow is introduced into inlet opening, the pivotableend arm directs the valve member to move toward the one of the first orsecond outlet openings toward which the pivotable end arm is directed.11. The valve of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a cammingsurface adjacent each of the first and second outlet openings forcamming the pivotable end arm from one of the first or second positionsto the other of the first or second positions when the valve memberseals the respective one of the first or second outlet openings.
 12. Adishwasher comprising: a cabinet; a wash chamber within the cabinet; afirst spray device for spraying liquid into the wash chamber; a secondspray device for spraying liquid into the wash chamber; a circulationpump assembly for pumping water from a sump area of wash chamber toeither the first spray device or the second spray device; and a valveincluding: a housing defining outer walls including a base wall, a firstupper wall and a second upper wall at an angle to the first upper wall,an inlet opening through the base wall in communication with an outletof the circulation pump assembly, a first outlet opening through thefirst upper wall in communication with an inlet of the first spraydevice, and a second outlet opening through the second upper wall incommunication with an inlet of the second spray device, the housingmounted in the cabinet with the base wall arranged vertically beneaththe first and second upper walls; and a valve member having a first end,a second end, and a central portion, the valve member being movablysuspended within the housing by the first end when the circulation pumpassembly is not pumping, the valve member being pivotable in a firstdirection to seal the first outlet opening and pivotable in a seconddirection to seal the second outlet opening, the housing interior andthe valve member being cooperatively configured so that as thecirculation pump assembly is cycled on and off the valve memberautomatically and alternatingly seals the first outlet opening and thesecond outlet opening.
 13. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein thehousing defined a track adjacent intersection of the first and secondupper walls, the track having a first arm and a second arm bothextending downward from a central peak where the first and second upperwalls meet, the first arm terminating at a first arm end and the secondarm terminating at a second arm end.
 14. The dishwasher of claim 13,wherein the second end of the valve member includes a first ball sizedto seal either of the first or second outlet openings, a central portionof the valve member connecting the first ball and the follower.
 15. Thedishwasher of claim 14, wherein the central portion has a length so thatwhen the first ball seals one of the first or second outlet openings thefollower is in the second or first arm of the track, respectively, andthe first ball member falls to hang below the follower with the followerat either of the second or first arm ends, respectively, when thecirculation pump assembly is not pumping liquid into the housing. 16.The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the valve member first end includesan axle pivotably attached to an opening within the housing interior,and the valve member central portion includes a flat sealing area withsealing surfaces on a first side for sealing the first outlet openingand a second side for sealing a second outlet opening.
 17. Thedishwasher of claim 16, wherein the valve member second end includes apivotable end arm movable between a first position directed toward thefirst outlet opening and a second position directed to the second outletopening, whereby when the circulation pump assembly is activated,pivotable end arm directs the valve member to move toward the one of thefirst or second outlet openings toward which the pivotable end arm isdirected.
 18. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein the housing includes acamming surface adjacent each of the first and second outlet openingsfor camming the pivotable end arm from one of the first or secondpositions to the other of the first or second positions when the valvemember seals the respective one of the first or second outlet openings.19. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the valve housing is attached tothe circulation pump assembly.
 20. The dishwasher of claim 12, whereinthe valve housing is located within the cabinet so that the first andsecond outlet openings are at a height below that of the top of the sumparea.